Ketamine Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline

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Medically Verified: January 28, 2025

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Medically Reviewed

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Ketamine Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline

Ketamine Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline

Medical experts consider prescription medications to be safe when people use them as prescribed. Some prescription drugs have the potential for abuse and addiction. People must be aware of the risks of prescription drug abuse and seek treatment when necessary. 

Ketamine is a potent prescription anesthetic medication. Some people may abuse ketamine for its dissociative or sedating effects. Ketamine abuse is dangerous and can lead to addiction.

This article will explore what happens during ketamine withdrawal. You will learn:

  • The effects and risks of ketamine abuse
  • Common ketamine withdrawal symptoms
  • The ketamine withdrawal timeline
  • What to expect in a ketamine detox program
  • Where to find treatment and recovery support

If you or someone you love struggles with ketamine abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact The Living Room intake specialists to learn about our holistic approach to detox and treatment. Verify your insurance, ask questions, or schedule an appointment by reaching out today. 

What is Ketamine?

Ketamine is an FDA-approved prescription drug. Doctors and veterinarians utilize ketamine to provide anesthesia during surgeries and medical procedures.

In recent years, researchers have begun to explore other uses for ketamine. Some uses they are exploring include:

  • To relieve chronic pain
  • To manage treatment-resistant depression
  • To reduce generalized anxiety
  • To treat bipolar disorder

People may abuse ketamine for its sedative and dissociative effects. People can steal ketamine from veterinary practices or obtain it through other illicit sources.

Ketamine abuse can cause serious physical and mental health complications. Prolonged ketamine abuse can lead to a life-threatening addiction. People who become addicted to ketamine require comprehensive treatment to quit safely. They may also require significant long-term support to prevent relapse.  

Ketamine Withdrawal: Understanding the Symptoms

Ketamine abuse is dangerous to a person’s mental and physical health. Abusing ketamine can lead to severe or life-threatening complications, including:

  • Chronic high blood pressure
  • Kidney damage
  • Cognitive problems, including severe long-term memory loss
  • Chronic abdominal pain

People who abuse ketamine may develop physical or psychological dependence, with symptoms that include: 

  • Tolerance (needing to use more to get the desired effects)
  • Having withdrawal symptoms after reducing or stopping ketamine use
  • Cravings 
  • Spending a lot of time and energy getting and using ketamine
  • Continuing to use ketamine even when experiencing severe complications

People with ketamine dependence are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using it. Common symptoms of ketamine withdrawal may include:

  • Cravings
  • Fatigue
  • Elevated heart rate
  • Depression
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety
  • Heart palpitations
  • Excessive sweating
  • Mood swings
  • Insomnia
  • Elevated body temperature
  • Tremors

These symptoms can be intense and make people very uncomfortable. Most people who attempt an at-home detox relapse. It is crucial to have medical support and supervision at every stage of detox to avoid serious complications and avoid a relapse. 

How Long Does Ketamine Withdrawal Last?

Detoxing from ketamine can be very challenging, but knowing what to expect can help people manage it more effectively. 

Many factors can affect how long ketamine withdrawal lasts, including:

Comprehensive medical support and treatment can help people manage withdrawal safely. Each person will follow their own personalized treatment plan that best meets their needs. 

Exploring the Ketamine Withdrawal Timeline

While each person’s detox experience is unique, ketamine withdrawal symptoms generally follow a timeline. Here is an overview of the ketamine withdrawal timeline.

Day one

Ketamine users may develop withdrawal symptoms within the first 24 hours after they stop using it. Depression is a common acute withdrawal symptom. Some people have suicidal thoughts during this stage of detox. Medical care and round-the-clock supervision are critical. 

Two weeks

Withdrawal symptoms typically get worse over the next two weeks. People may experience intense nausea, heart palpitations, anxiety, and insomnia that test their physical limits. Intense withdrawal symptoms significantly increase the risk of relapse. Support, supervision, and treatment are essential. 

One month

Many people experience cravings and physical withdrawal symptoms for a month or longer after quitting ketamine. Ongoing treatment and support are critical to helping people work toward a lifelong recovery. 

Treatment During Ketamine Withdrawal

Treatment programs can help people manage detox and address the complex roots of their addiction. 

A ketamine detox program may include:

  • 24/7 supervision and access to treatment
  • Medications to reduce cravings and other withdrawal symptoms
  • Emotional support, including individual and group counseling
  • Holistic therapies like nutrition support, yoga, and mindfulness
  • A secure environment

After completing detox, people must receive treatment to identify and address the behavioral, emotional, and physical aspects of substance abuse. Mental health and medical professionals provide tailored care that may include: 

  • Medical supervision and care
  • Medication management
  • Behavioral therapies
  • Mental health treatment
  • Relapse prevention education
  • Individual, group, and family therapy
  • Holistic therapies to soothe the body and reduce stress
  • Aftercare planning and support programs

People may attend detox and treatment programs in inpatient rehab or outpatient treatment settings. People must receive comprehensive, tailored support as they withdraw from ketamine and throughout the detox process. 

Find Treatment Now

It is possible to overcome ketamine addiction. If you or someone you love struggles with ketamine abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find effective substance use disorder (SUD) treatment at The Living Room. Contact our intake team to learn about our addiction treatment and recovery support programs or to schedule an appointment. 

References:

  1. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Ketamine
  2. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: What to Know About Ketamine
  3. Psychiatry Online: A Potential Case of Acute Ketamine Withdrawal: Clinical Implications for the Treatment of Refractory Depression
  4. Science Direct: Ketamine use disorder: preclinical, clinical, and neuroimaging evidence to support proposed mechanisms of actions

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